WREXHAM chairman Geoff Moss is confident manager Dean Saunders is committed to the task of taking the Dragons back into the Football League.

And last night Saunders confirmed he has been given a contract to stay at the Racecourse until the end of next season. Moss dismissed speculation that the former Wales international could be on his way to Championship side Derby County – one of the clubs he played for during his career.

Saunders, who combines his Racecourse duties with those of assistant to Wales manager John Toshack, was appointed by Moss in October. Since then Wrexham have dropped only four points in 11 league matches to climb to within touching distance of the Blue Square Premier play-offs.

Saunders told the Daily Post last week he was surprised to be linked with the Derby job and Moss said yesterday: “Dean is not going anywhere.

“He’s told me he is staying at Wrexham because he has a job to do here by getting us back in the football league.

“I didn’t need any other reassurances than Dean’s word because he is a good friend. He’s a passionate Welshman and wants to achieve things at Wrexham.”

Brown’s Cup hope – P34